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- Tasks: Manage council debts and assist customers in resolving financial issues.
- Company: The Jim Walker Partnership Centre, part of West Lothian Council.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Internal applicants only; great opportunity for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by helping others manage their debts.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
36 hrs per week, 52.14 weeks per year - Permanent
Applications for this post will only be accepted from current employees of West Lothian Council (this includes casual and agency staff who are currently undertaking work for us).
Working as part of a team, the Advanced Collections Officer will:
- Provide a one-point corporate and aged debt service including service accounts to customers who have debts due to the council, contributing to the development of the service and identifying strategies to deal effectively with council debt.
- Provide a point of contact for staff dealing with customers who have debts due to the council.
- Assist in the administration and collection of council debts and be able to identify and amend inaccuracies in records across relevant council systems.
- Manage cases that are escalated to the team for advanced recovery action. This will involve assisting customers who engage to maximise benefits and to address debts going forward.
- Identify and prepare cases for legal action, managing the case until decree is obtained and the paperwork is returned to the housing manager to facilitate the eviction process. Attempting engagement through a variety of means, including telephone, text, visits etc.
- Reporting to the Senior Section Leader, they will be expected to prioritise their own workload and generally work on an unsupervised basis assessing cases and situations and, based on their knowledge and experience, act accordingly.
- Accountable for the achievement of the council’s statutory and key performance indicators. Actively participate and contribute to the team’s development and contribute to the overall performance targets and identified outcomes.
Advanced Collections Officer, The Jim Walker Partnership Centre, 504.39, INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY... in Bathgate employer: West Lothian Council
Contact Detail:
West Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Collections Officer, The Jim Walker Partnership Centre, 504.39, INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY... in Bathgate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and managers within the council. Let them know you're interested in the Advanced Collections Officer role. A friendly chat can go a long way in making your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of council debt processes. Familiarise yourself with the systems and strategies used in debt recovery. This will not only boost your confidence but also show that you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life scenarios where you've dealt with debt or customer service issues. Be ready to share how you handled those situations and what you learned from them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're committed to the process and keen to be part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Collections Officer, The Jim Walker Partnership Centre, 504.39, INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY... in Bathgate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you understand the role of an Advanced Collections Officer. Brush up on your knowledge about council debts and the processes involved. This will help you tailor your application to show that you're the right fit for the job.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get straight to the point. Highlight your relevant experience and skills without waffling – we want to see what makes you a great candidate!
Show Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working as part of a team, make sure to mention any teamwork experiences you've had. We love seeing how you can contribute to our collective goals and support your colleagues in achieving performance targets.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the council's debt management processes and any relevant legislation. Brush up on your knowledge about the specific duties of an Advanced Collections Officer, as well as the challenges faced in this role. This will show that you're not just interested, but also well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your current role that demonstrate your ability to manage debts, engage with customers, and handle escalated cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your skills in action.
✨Engagement is Key
Since the role involves engaging with customers through various means, think of ways to highlight your communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully interacted with difficult customers or resolved conflicts in the past. This will illustrate your ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.
✨Prioritisation and Independence
As the job requires you to manage your own workload, be prepared to talk about how you prioritise tasks and work independently. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple responsibilities in your current position, demonstrating your organisational skills and self-motivation.